Project Details

Save the Date

The New Burke Grand Opening is coming October 12–14

Breadcrumb

The New Burke turns the idea of a museum inside-out

In a dramatic departure from the typical natural history museum model—where exhibits are on one side of the wall and collections and research are on the other—exhibit galleries are side-by-side with visible collections, labs and hands-on learning spaces.

By bringing Burke collections and research out from behind the scenes and inviting you to bring your perspective—your passions—forward, the New Burke will be a place of active questions rather than final answers.

A Nexus of Change

The New Burke will transform the northwest corner of UW campus, engaging directly with the community and welcoming visitors from the new U District light rail station, which is expected to serve 18,000—20,000 people per day. As a new tourist attraction, the New Burke will support efforts to revitalize the University District.

Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

Northwest Roots

Designed by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig, the New Burke combines dramatic views of objects with Northwest features like sustainable wood siding, a native plant garden, and a shed-style roof inspired by traditional Coast Salish dwellings.

Location

The New Burke will transform the northwest corner of UW campus, engaging directly with the community and welcoming visitors from the new U District light rail station.

Room for Growth

The new, 113,000 sq. ft. building is 66% larger than the former facility. Collections storage areas are climate-controlled and allow room for decompression and growth. Nearly 60% of the museum is accessible or visible to visitors (compared to just over 30% in the former facility).

Photo: Arryn Davis/Burke Museum

Photo: Arryn Davis/Burke Museum

Next Level Education

Visible, state-of-the-art labs and an artists’ workshop will serve more students and researchers, and more education space will allow the Burke to potentially double the number of Pre-K–12 students served each year.

Budget

The New Burke is a true partnership. The project is funded through investments from the State of Washington, the University of Washington, King County, the City of Seattle, private donors and foundations.

Gifts from the community are the heart of the New Burke project—more than one third of the new museum is funded by individuals like you.

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Location

Land Acknowledgement: The Burke Museum stands on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. Many Indigenous Peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong.